Not an expert. Based on what I’ve observed however I like Clifford better than Stevens. The coaches obviously have 1000x more data and I will respect their decision. I think Clifford has a much more accurate and stronger arm, and his deep ball can really open up the offense. Tommy is a limited thrower in my opinion. That is all.
Yeah, I see rebellion if Tommy is the starter. LOL
Any locker room issues would probably be more likely to be brought about if Stevens is NOT the starter..... I would expect.
But those decisions - and whether or not there could be any repercussions - are a long way off.
CJF kinda’/sorta’ set a precedent with his “phantom starts” for Farmer last year.
But the QB position is a rather unique beast, and he can’t fall back on that strategy at the QB spot (if, indeed, Clifford outplays Stevens - Which is not a given by any means)
Of course, if I were in CJF’s shoes, I’d be much more concerned with who was running the offense from the sidelines/booth - than I would be with which of two talented options was lining up behind center
Where does all this talk come from about Stevens’ arm? I have seen him launch a number of long passes in games - he has a cannon and everyone always marveled about how much stronger it is than Trace’s. As for Clifford, he has looked equally good but in much, much more limited sample.
I think if Stevens 0is fully recovered and can practice in the Fall, he will win the starting position. I believe Cliffird will also get reps in each game so should Steven's get reinjured or falter, Clifford will step right in and do well. My expectation is that Steven's will shine as a QB if his health allow him to play.
Clifford is the new shiny plaything for fanboys. We were one more bomb thrown by Levis(in a bullshit scrimmage) away from a campaign for him to be the starter. Clifford certainly throws a good deep ball.....and will be a solid backup/alternative should Stevens be ineffective or injured. Real coaches are not swayed by performance in garbage time and have hundreds of hours of practice tapes to make their decisions on. PSU needs Tommy to be healthy and running the offense (and running the ball) for things to go. I believe he is faster (than Trace) and carries a big pop when running the ball. He has the best grasp of the system (5 years) and Clifford will be more than ready for his final 2 years at PSU. If I were a betting man (and I am) I would wager that the decision has already been made internally.
The "Spring Game" is a scrimmage. It is virtually meaningless except for a handful of players that have something to gain/prove. No staff is going to put the "key" to their success in harms way. PSU has great depth at RB and let Cain prove his chops and Slade get some limited reps. Tommy doesn't need to win the job in the Spring Game. I think everyone in the program knows this. The issue is getting him 100% healthy.
On Journey Brown I am guessing no. I think he got a lot of reps because we need to develop depth at RB. No doubt IMO Slade is our first back with Cain first off the bench. Brown will get 2-3 touches a game and will return KO. But unless he can beat out Slade, or there are injuries, I don't see him getting a lot of work. Look at it this way; last year Slade was in year one, Brown in year two. Slade spent a significant portion of the season deep in Franklin's doghouse. Yet Brown never jumped him on the depth chart, even for one week. Our season ended on Jan 1. Without playing a game or even having a practice, I have a hard time believing Brown is all of a sudden competing to take time from Slade. Just my .02.
I certainly wish I were 9 and at my age it may not be long until that is how I function. In any event, I think your retort is where the adolescent behavior lies. Injury in football is unfortunately common. Players get it. Naming Stevens the starter based on over 4 years of practice and performance will not be unusual or even create a ripple.....anywhere but here.
In two years with the program Clifford "has seen VERY limited reps at QB." He has gotten a few games at "garbage time." Its not like Clifford has a lot of experience at QB.
Franklin is quoted in The Collegian stating that Tommy runs a 4.5. If Trace is faster, my mistake. The shuttle, I have no idea what Tommy runs.
...this "controversy" is on the reporters...
...bad news or conflict always attracts more attention than good news...
FWIW, I’d only agree with you if Stevens is named the starter.
Top 4 are hard to argue after that I think its funny to have Fields etc in there.
The crispest handoffs football has ever seen, single-handedly won us the OSU game that year.
